Beam - The upper section of the vertical wall of a gunite pool or spa. A "raised beam" is one that extends above ground level.
Blower - An electrical unit that generates air pressure to provide the spa jets with bubbles.
Cantilever Edge - A pool deck of a poured or sprayed material that extends slightly beyond the edge of the pool negating the need for traditional coping.
Cartridge Filter - A filtration system that uses a fine mesh material to remove suspended contaminants from the water. This type of filter requires a 30 minute cleaning with a garden hose six to ten times per year.
Chlorinator - A unit that holds chlorine tablets and automatically treats the water.
Coping Material - that covers the first nine to twelve inches of horizontal surface at the pool’s edge. It can be brick, flagstone, concrete, or one of many natural or man-made materials.
Deck - Patio that is attached to the pool itself. Typical materials and finishes include brushed concrete, spray concrete, cool deck, sundeck, flagstone, and pea gravel. The deck often accounts for 20 to 30% of a pool budget.
DE Filter - Filtration system that uses a layer of fine powder (diatomaceous earth) to remove contaminants from the water. This type of filter requires a ten minute backwashing process about once a month that is accomplished by adjusting the valves. The DE powder is relatively inexpensive but must be replaced after each back washing.
